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When to plant Ageratum in Wright, AR

In Wright, plant Ageratum in spring between March 5 and March 26, once soil temps hold above 50°F. Wright's last frost averages March 19, so most warm-season crops establish quickly once soil holds above 60°F. For a fall crop, sow between and — roughly 60–75 days before the first frost on November 9.

When to Plant Ageratum in Wright, AR

Jefferson County, Arkansas Zone 8b June

June in Jefferson County, Arkansas — your action list

A quick June briefing for Jefferson County, Arkansas gardeners — what's urgent, what's next, and what can wait.

Avg. last frost March 19
Avg. first frost November 9
Soil temp (4") 77°F
Watering Low
Pest pressure High
Daylight 14.3 hrs
  1. It's harvest week for ageratum

    If you can't use it all right away, check the food-preservation section of your planner.

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  • First harvests: ageratum

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Ageratum (Ageratum houstonianum), the floss flower, produces clusters of fluffy, powder-puff blooms in the rare sky-blue and lavender tones difficult to find among warm-season annuals. Compact mounding habit makes it ideal as a front-of-border edging plant. Blooms from early summer through fall with minimal deadheading; heat and humidity tolerant once established.

Wright, Arkansas is in USDA Zone 8b. The average last spring frost is March 19 and the first fall frost is November 9, giving you a growing season of approximately 235 days.

At an elevation of 454 feet, Jefferson County receives approximately 51.4 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 89°F, providing good warmth for Ageratum during the growing season. Ample rainfall means less supplemental watering, but ensure good drainage to prevent Ageratum root diseases.

Annual Blooms in Multi-season Pollinator-friendly Good for cutting
Wright, AR (Zone 8b) Long season
235 days
Last Spring Frost March 19
235 growing days
First Fall Frost November 9

Wright Soil Profile

Soil Type

Silt Loam

Soil pH

5.3-7.1

Drainage

Well Drained

Ageratum Planting Risk Windows

Early Start (70% safe) ✓ Fits season (40 days to spare)
Start indoors: Jan 27 Transplant: Feb 24 🌸 Bloom: Apr 21 – Sep 22
Recommended (50%) ✓ Fits season (39 days to spare)
Start indoors: Feb 5 Transplant: Mar 5 🌸 Bloom: Apr 30 – Oct 1
Safe Start (90%) ✓ Fits season (37 days to spare)
Start indoors: Feb 25 Transplant: Mar 25 🌸 Bloom: May 20 – Oct 21

Percentages indicate frost risk at transplant. The 70% safe window means there is a 30% chance of frost after transplant — suitable for cold-hardy crops or gardeners with frost protection. The 90% safe window is best for tender plants.

Soil Compatibility in Wright

How your county's soil matches Ageratum's growing requirements.

Soil pH

Your soil pH (5.3–7.1) overlaps with Ageratum's range (6.0–7.0), though not a perfect match.

Soil Texture

The silt loam soil in Jefferson County is excellent for Ageratum — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.

Organic Matter

Organic matter is moderate (2.5%). Annual compost additions will help Ageratum.

How to Plant Ageratum

8"
Between Plants
10"
Between Rows

Succession Planting Ageratum

4
successive plantings in your 235-day season

Sow every 6.9 weeks. Last sowing by Aug 26 to harvest before frost.

Ageratum Water Budget

Plant needs
1.0″/week
Rainfall provides
0.9″/week
You supply
0.1″/week
Watering frequency Only during dry spells
Season total 170 gal / 100 sq ft

Monthly Watering Guide for Ageratum

Ageratum needs approximately 1 inches of water per week (4.3" per month). Here's how your county's rainfall compares month by month.

Month Ageratum Needs Rainfall You Supplement Action
Jan 4" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Feb 3.9" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Mar 4.3" 5.4" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Apr 4.3" 3.7" 0.6" 💧 Light watering
May 4.3" 4.1" 0.2" 💧 Light watering
Jun 4.3" 4.3" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Jul 4.3" 5.5" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Aug 4.3" 5.1" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Sep 4.3" 3.4" 0.9" 💧 Light watering
Oct 4.3" 3.7" 0.6" 💧 Light watering
Nov 4.3" 4.4" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Dec 3.9" 0" ❄️ Dormant

Water needs are for active growing months only (Mar–Nov in Jefferson County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.

Ageratum Heat Requirements (GDD)

What are Growing Degree Days (GDD)?

Growing Degree Days measure the total warmth your plants receive during the growing season. Think of it as a "heat bank" — every day above 50°F deposits warmth that helps your plants grow.

Each plant needs a certain amount of accumulated heat to mature. If your county provides more GDD than the plant needs, it's a great fit. If it's close, you may want to choose faster-maturing varieties or start seeds indoors to get a head start.

Ageratum needs ~1,131 GDD — county provides 3,936 GDD Excellent fit

Ageratum Planting Timeline — Wright, AR

Ageratum Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors February 5 Feb 5 – Feb 19
Transplant Outdoors March 5 Mar 5 – Mar 19
Direct Sow March 5 Mar 5 – Mar 26
Bloom April 30 Apr 30 – Oct 1

· 8" apart · Rows 10" apart

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January
February Start Indoors
March Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow
April Bloom
May Bloom
June Bloom
July Bloom
August Bloom
September Bloom
October Bloom
November
December

Growing Conditions

☀️ Sun

Full Sun (6-8+ hours)

💧 Water

1"/week · Only during dry spells

📅 Days to Maturity

60–75 days

🧪 Soil pH

Needs 6–7 · Your soil: acceptable

🗺️ USDA Zone

Zone 8b

📆 Growing Season

235 days in Jefferson County

Growing Tips for Ageratum in Wright

Direct sow Ageratum outdoors after March 19 in Jefferson County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.

Common pests for Ageratum in this region include aphids and slugs. Use row covers early in the season and inspect plants weekly.

General growing tips

Start seeds indoors 6–8 weeks before last frost — do not cover seed; it needs light to germinate. Can be direct-sown after last frost once soil warms to 60°F. Transplant or thin to proper spacing after frost danger passes. Deadheading isn't strictly required but tidying spent clusters improves appearance. Provide consistent moisture; drought causes premature setting. Avoid deep shade — blooms best in full sun to light afternoon shade.

Companion Planting

Good Companions

Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →

When should I plant Ageratum in Wright, AR?

In Wright, AR, plant Ageratum after the last frost (around March 19) and before the first frost (around November 9). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.

What growing zone is Wright, AR for Ageratum?

Wright sits in USDA Zone 8b. Ageratum grows reliably in zones 3a through 11b, so it's a good fit here.

Can Ageratum grow in Wright's climate?

Yes — Ageratum grows well in Wright's temperate climate. Wright averages a 235-day frost-free season, with last frost around March 19 and first frost around November 9.

🌱

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A 22-page printable planner built for Jefferson County (Zone 8b). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.

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Data sources: USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map (2023), NOAA 30-Year Climate Normals. Frost dates are based on 50% probability averages for Jefferson County, AR. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: June 2026.